You are here:

Patient Instructions - Lymphoscintigraphy for Breast or Melanoma

Lymphoscinitigraphy is a test that uses a radioactive substance (or tracer) to document directions of lymphatic drainage from a primary site of breast cancer or melanoma. Specifically, it is used to identify and mark (if possible) the sentinel lymph node, the first node in a chain that is closest to the primary cancer site.

Before your Procedure

Tell your physician if you are pregnant or nursing.

No special preparation is necessary for this test.

During your Procedure

A radiologist will make 4 small injections in the skin of either the affected breast or around the site of the melanoma.

Following the injections, imaging will begin in approximately 15-30 minutes. A variety of images will be acquired in order to get the best visualization of the lymph nodes.

A mark may be made on the skin with a pen to help identify any visualized lymph nodes.

The entire procedure lasts approximately 1-2 hours.

After your Procedure

Your doctor will be contacted with the results of your test and will discuss the results with you.

Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.